10 Facts You Should Know About the Indian Constitution

Republic Day marks the day when the Indian Constitution came into being on January 26, 1950. There are a number of facts about the constitution that the majority of people in India are unacquainted with. Here are some of them for your enlightenment.

1. The Longest Constitution:

India has the longest constitution in the world. It has 448 articles, 12 schedules and 94 amendments.

2. Guiding Path:

The Objectives Resolution was moved by Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru on December 13, 1946. It served as a roadmap for the constitution.

3. Establishment of the Committee:

On August 29, 1947, the committee which would draft India’s constitution was established. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was appointed as the Chairman of the committee.

4. The Drafting of the Constitution:

The drafting committee had handwritten and calligraphed the constitution - both in English and in Hindi. There was no typing or print involved.

5. The Good Omen:

The day constitution was signed, it was raining outside. Many considered it as a good omen.

6. Time Period for Passing it:

After the constitution was presented to the Constituent Assembly, they took two years, eleven months and seventeen days to pass it.

7. Signatures:

As many as 284 members of the Constituent Assembly had signed the documents on January 24, 1950. Two days later, the constitution came into effect.

8. Borrowed Points:

Some of the points in constitution are borrowed from other constitutions such as the principles of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity that were taken from the French constitution.

9. The National Emblem:

On January 26, 1950, the Indian Government also adopted Sarnath, the Lion Capital of Ashoka with the wheel, bull, and horse as the national emblem of India.

10. The Amendments:

In 63 years since it was presented, the Indian constitution has been hailed as one of the best constitutions in the world.